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Wednesday, November 22th, 2023
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I am thankful for our community. My staff and I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24th.
Here are some Thanksgiving Travel Tips and Safe Cooking Tips to help you prepare.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office.
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Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone 703-971-6262
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- Purple Star Schools in Franconia
- Proclamation for Abigail Akyea, BGCA Youth of the Year Finalist
- Stuff the Bus - Virtually by 11/30
- Friends of Richard Byrd Library Book Sale 11/29-12/3
- Find the Perfect Gift at These Holiday Markets in Fairfax County
- Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Toys for Tots Drive
- Shop Small Maker Businesses Through Made in Fairfax
- Hypothermia Prevention Program starts 12/1
Out and About
- Coat Giveaway at Hybla Valley Community Center
- Marine 1 Patrol Ride-Along
- Ms. Queenie Cox - Citizen of the Year Award from Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi aka the Ques
- First Franconia District Neighborhood College Concludes
- Fire Safety Day in Audubon
- Thanksgiving Food Distribution with Journey Church
ICYMI
- In the News
- 10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive
- High School Students: Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition
- All About Recycling - What You Need to Know
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November is Military Family Appreciation Month and I’d like to recognize the following schools in Franconia District that have earned their Virginia Purple Star Designation.
These schools have shown their commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools need to re-apply every three years for this designation and since the program inception in 2018, we have had several schools earning their second award. I’m proud to share that 59% of the schools in Franconia District have earned their Virginia Purple Star Designation.
The schools are:
- Browne Academy
- Clermont ES
- Edison HS
- Franconia ES
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Hayfield ES (second award)
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Hayfield SS (second award)
- Island Creek SS
- Key Center and MS (second award)
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Lane ES (second award)
- Lynbrook ES
- Rose Hill ES
- Springfield Estates ES
- Twain MS
- West Springfield ES
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Proclamation for Abigail Akyea, BGCA Youth of the Year Finalist
I am very pleased to announce that one of our very own Fairfax County residents, Abigail Akyea, from the Boys and Girls Murraygate club, won the opportunity to represent teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW), the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Southeast region of Boys and Girls Club of America, which enabled her to compete as one of the six finalists at the National Youth of the Year celebration. Abigail is truly an exceptional youth leader in our community.
I would like to share a powerful quote from Abigail, “True change starts with investment in today’s youth. These investments will create stronger inclusive communities that are innovative and ready to change the world for the better!”
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STUFF THE BUS - Virtually
Help feed Fairfax County families in need without leaving the house. This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. Individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County through November 30th.
Learn more about ways you can combat hunger and homelessness here and help Stuff the Bus virtually.
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Friends of the Richard Byrd Library BOOK SALE 11/29 to 12/3:
They are looking for volunteers for the book sale set up:
Saturday, November 25 11:00 - 6:00
Monday, November 27 10:00 - 8:30
Tuesday, November 28 10:00- 8:30
Wednesday, November 29 10:00 - 2:00
Dates and Times of the Book Sale:
Wednesday, Nov 29 2:00-5:00 (Preview Sale, $10 fee for shoppers)
Thursday, Nov 30 10:00 - 6:00
Friday, December 1 10:00 - 6:00
Saturday, December 2 10:00 - 6:00
Sunday, December 3 12:00 - 2:00 BAG SALE (limited number of volunteers needed)
Monday, June 5 9:00 – 2:00 CLEAN UP
Please commit to a minimum of two-hour blocks of time. Sign up for as many hours as you can. Thanks! Email rbfriends@gmail.com to volunteer.
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Find the Perfect Gift at These Holiday Markets in Fairfax County
'Tis the season for holiday light shows, ice skating, Christmas tree decorating, and more fun festivities! The holidays are fast approaching, which also means it's time to embark on your search for gifts. Luckily, Fairfax County has no shortage of holiday markets this year, from Christmas villages to traditional markets to craft shows. Here's where to find unique items for those you love - even if they're the person who already has everything. Happy shopping!
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Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department is participating in the 2023 TOYS FOR TOTS Campaign! TOYS FOR TOTS collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children. Fairfax County fire stations will be accepting donations until Sunday, December 17.
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Support Small “Maker” Businesses Through Made in Fairfax
From custom cookies and cake pops to handmade furniture and jewelry, there are numerous small-scale production businesses that call Fairfax County home.
Established in 2018, Made in Fairfax was developed by the county to support and connect small-scale production or “maker” businesses. Today, the Made in Fairfax Network is composed of more than 125 local makers, which are all accessible through an online directory.
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Hypothermia Prevention Program
Since 2005, the Fairfax County Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among people experiencing homelessness by ensuring that no one must sleep outside during the winter months. This program - available to any adult in need of immediate shelter - provides warm shelter, food, and other supportive services to help connect guests to a variety of basic needs such as clothing, employment, housing, and more. It remains a highly effective partnership between government, nonprofits, and the faith community. The program will open every day, countywide on December 1, 2023, and ends March 31, 2024.
Overflow shelter capacity in the year-round adult shelters will be available each night starting November 15, 2023. Before that date, shelters will activate overflow capacity during extreme weather events and unseasonably low temperatures, such as most of this week. Overflow shelter capacity is limited. Sign up for Fairfax Alerts, specifically “Homelessness Cooling and Heating Resources”, for information on overflow activation.
For more information visit here: https://bit.ly/Fairfax-Hypothermia-Program
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Last week, my office was able to give away winter coats to Hybla Valley community members. I want to thank Willie F. Bailey and his non-profit, Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue.
If you'd like to help keep our community warm, tax-deductible donations can be made here.
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Marine 1 Patrol Ride Along
I recently rode on Marine Patrol 1 with members of the Fairfax County Police Department. We talked about their mission and how they support DC and MD police departments, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Thank you for all you do to keep our community safe.
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Ms. Queenie Cox - Citizen of the Year Award from Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi aka the Ques
It was my pleasure to attend this year’s Achievement Week by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations to Ms. Queenie Cox, recipient of the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter’s Citizen of the Year Award! Thank you for all you do for our community. Brava!
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First Franconia District Neighborhood College Concludes
I was happy to speak at the graduation from the first ever Franconia District Neighborhood College last week. Residents from the Franconia District participated in a 6-week educational program. Sessions featured guest speakers, interactive activities, breakout room discussions, networking opportunities and information about advisory boards and other volunteer opportunities.
Participants learned about many topics including:
- Fairfax County Government Overview
- Office of Code Enforcement
- Fairfax County Transportation
- Franconia District Police Department & Mount Vernon District Police Department
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Fire Safety Day in Audubon Community
Happy to share that the fire safety initiative that my office launched in partnership with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the American Red Cross completed its third Fire Safety Day event at Audubon Estates Mobile Home Park this past Saturday. This first of its kind effort for Fairfax County would not have been possible without the support of the volunteer groups including CERT, Mothers of Audubon, Red Cross Volunteers and residents of Audubon Estates.
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Thanksgiving Food Distribution with Journey Church
Had a great day in Springfield distributing Thanksgiving turkeys and fresh produce boxes at New Life Open Bible Church and Springfield Resource Center. Thank you to Journey Church and DeLune Corp for making these events possible.
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10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive
From now until Saturday, December 16, 2023, we are actively seeking gift cards for our young and teenage child victims. These cards can be for establishments such as Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards empower parents and guardians to actively engage in purchasing gifts and essential items for each child that they might otherwise go without.
Please drop off or Mail Gift Cards to Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035
Your generous donation of gift cards will make a significant impact on families most affected by crime, bringing smiles to the faces of children who have endured challenging experiences due to the violence they witnessed or experienced themselves. Each child selected for the holiday gift card drive has been vetted by their assigned Victim Specialist and has been personally affected by crime. Every family we choose truly represents those in need. Some will use the gift cards to buy toys and other gifts, while others will invest them in winter clothing for the children or use them to buy food for their holiday meals.
We sincerely appreciate your support in advance. Your generosity will illuminate the eyes and hearts of our child victims, bringing immense joy, and, most importantly, making a positive impact this holiday season.
For more information, contact Saly Fayez.
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High School Students: Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition
Are you a student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded by sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners. Learn more about the “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge.
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | |
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Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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